BMTC agrees, to spare 5000 parakeets in Bengaluru

Back in December 2016, Asianet Newsable had reported the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation's (BMTC) plans to destroy the homes of over 5000 parakeets. 

The BMTC wanted to build a model bus terminus at the old Kalasipalaya bus shelter. The plans called for the cutting down of 32 trees, each one of which are densely packed with parakeets, who have made their home in those trees for years. 

We are happy to report now that the BMTC has changed its plan and will cut only nine trees instead of all 32.

 

The BMTC had planned the Rs 60 crore project within 4.5 acres in Kalasipalaya, to accommodate both BMTC and KSRTC buses. But the officials had no clue about the parakeets that lived in the 32 trees scheduled to be chopped down. 

In December last week, social activists began circulating messages on WhatsApp and Facebook highlighting the plight of the birds. Our Asianet Newsable report also highlighted the same, commenting on how unplanned development was continuing to decimate Bengaluru's ecology. 

Following this report, urban conservationists took up the matter up with the BMTC Managing Director Ekroop Caur. In a pleasant turn of events, officials were then directed to carry out a spot inspection and arrange for an alternate plan, which would require the felling of the least number of trees. 

Vijay Nishanth, BBMP Tree Committee Member and Urban Conservationist, said "This is very positive development. We have shown the photos and news article to the BMTC MD. We convinced her about the severe damage that the BMTC will be doing by cutting all these trees. 

 

Now they have pulled in a platform and eliminated the roofs in another place to ensure more trees are saved. They have also given us a copy of their modified plan. With overall efforts, 70 percent of the trees are protected. Out of 32 trees, 31 are in live and healthy, and one is a dead tree. The BMTC had planned to cut all 32 now they will cut only nine trees,"

To compensate for the nine trees that will be cut, the BMTC will plant trees along the periphery of the bus station. This planting will start as soon as the foundation is laid so that by the time the bus station is ready, the trees will be well grown. 

To this end, the BMTC said they would consult on trees types, choosing fast growing ones with good canopies,  so that the parakeets can quickly rebuild their roosts.  

 

"We sincerely hope once this project in Kalasipalaya is completed, it will become a benchmark example of development and environment going hand in hand," Tharangini, a photographer and a naturalist said.

 

The BMTC MD Ekroop Caur said, "The project was planned to ease traffic congestion around Kalasipalaya and ensure BMTC buses get enough space. Hence a three-storied building and a subway are planned. It is a 24-month project, and soon the work will start. The subway will also be connected to the Metro Station for passengers' benefit." 

On the parakeets, she added, "The BMTC was not aware of the parakeet roosts. Now, after realising the serious implications, a change of plan has been taken up. Now, fewer trees will be cut and more will be saved."

 

Read original report here